Auto insurance coverage can appear quite similar on paper. State requirements will make certain that you are treated according to certain, but basic, guidelines as well. That is about where it ends. Depending on the circumstances, some auto insurers might handle issues better than others when “the rubber hits the road”. The following questions bring out examples that illustrate this.
Does the insurer give you the option of which repair shop to take your vehicle?
Get a recommendation for a collision shop. We have had experience with several and be happy to recommend one depending on your vehicle.
If you already have one or get a recommendation for one, ask the collision shop some of the questions below.
Have the name and number of your selected collision repair shop in your car or in your mobile phone. Also have their towing company’s name and number in the same place. If the insurance company you are thinking of restricts you as to where to take the car in the event of loss, is your shop approved by them and if not, why?
Does the insurer accept work from your collision shop using Original Equipment Manufacturer parts or prefer refurbished or aftermarket parts?
An example. Jaquar’s, Audi and BMW use a lot of aluminum. This metal is very hard to work with and one should only take your vehicle to a shop certified by the manufacturer to work on it.If certain portions of this aluminum construction are damaged, it is strongly recommended by the manufacturer, if not insisted, that the portion which is damaged be replaced, not welded. What is your collision shop and insurance company's position on these matters?
Find out whether repairs are made to manufacturer standards or whether the insurer has its own standards.
Does the insurer depreciate the used portion of your tires if you suffer a loss including tires?
Example.You have used 10,000 miles tread on 30,000 mile tires. Are they going to fully replace the tires or give you either used tires or credit for 66% of the value of new tires? Most won't, but some will give you an endorsement that will relieve you of issues such as this one for a couple/few dollars a month.
Does your auto insurer offer gap insurance?
Did you know gap insurance through your agent costs on average 1/10th what it does at the dealership?
A $30,000 new car can cost as little as $35 a year to cover with gap insurance with us while a dealer could charge $100 or more a year plus finance charges.
You only need gap while there is a difference in the market value on your car and what you owe. When purchased with your vehicle, the contract is until you pay it off. Sometimes 5 years. Possibly $500 for a policy that maybe should last 3 years and cost $80-$100 in total over three years.
Read the fine print. You usually can cancel this contract with your dealer at any time.
Are you covered when driving a rental car?And where?
Make certain your policy covers you when not driving the stated vehicles on the policy and if you drive internationally, what the restrictions are regarding coverage. Some policies cannot even be issued if the client has an international driver's license.
Your deductible usually applies to any non-commercial passenger vehicle you drive in the U.S. if you are covered for driving vehicles other than those on your policy. But make certain of this. As has been mentioned before, all policies are not created equal and assumptions should not be made.
You had a lovely dinner, walk to your car and see you have been sideswiped while parked. How will your insurance company handle this?
Find out. There are company’s that for a few dollars offer parked car collision endorsement that waives your deductible in these cases. It’s unpleasant to walk out anywhere and have the unexpected expense of $500 or $1000 waiting for you.
Are you planning of buying that dream car in the near future? Maybe the company you are with or are considering may not take/renew you because they won’t insure it.
Some companies have vehicles that are, in their view, completely uninsurable, or are restricted from being in a household with any drivers younger than 25. Unless you want to start from scratch, learn which vehicles are restricted or unacceptable in your insurance company’s view.
Do you have coverage for any customized equipment on your vehicle?
Whether it is for an individual with disabilities or a sound system for your pleasure, if it is an aftermarket adjustment to your auto, you need to ask how it can and if it can be covered by your current policy. We offer policies that have endorsements for everything from a wheelchair lift to lifting the truck 6 feet. Aftermarket electronics instralled in the auto may need to be endorsed as well. Some companies will cover up to $1000 or another fixed amount in the policy for aftermarket items. Others have no coverage. Ask your agent.
How is your premium? Are you getting a good deal from your current or prospective company?
one company has 24 tiers of rating, another 16 tiers, others even more. It is many times difficult to say what the best possible rate is. Agents aren't given actuarial corporate secrets. What can be answered is whether you have been matched with a company with a “market appetite” for the characteristics of your application or not.
Ask the agent if you are getting a good rate and how it compares to other quotes from the same company, if you are with a captive agent, and you seek their policy. Ask for comparisons across different companies that meet all your criteria if with an independent agent.
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Luxury, Exotic, Rare Auto Insurance
Automobiles insured at an agreed value from the benchmark standard insurer in the industry is available. Liability limits up to $10 million are available. Other benefits include OEM parts replacement guaranty, full windscreen replacement at no deductible, and much more. For more information call Secure Harbor Insurance at 1.888.796.7881 or write Pieter.
